Millions across India take part in International Yoga Day

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs yoga along with thousands of Indians in Chandigarh, India, Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Millions of yoga enthusiasts are bending their bodies in complex postures across India as they take part in a mass yoga program to mark the second International Yoga Day. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das) (The Associated Press)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches out for a child who was amongst the thousands who performed yoga on occasion of World Yoga Day in Chandigarh, India, Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Millions of yoga enthusiasts are bending their bodies in complex postures across India as they take part in a mass yoga program to mark the second International Yoga Day. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das) (The Associated Press)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center, performs yoga along with thousands of Indians in Chandigarh, India, Tuesday, June 21, 2016. Millions of yoga enthusiasts are bending their bodies in complex postures across India as they take part in a mass yoga program to mark the second International Yoga Day. (AP Photo/Saurabh Das) (The Associated Press)

Millions of people across India are twisting themselves into complex yoga positions as the country celebrates International Yoga Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined a crowd of 30,000 schoolchildren and other residents of the northern city of Chandigarh for a mass yoga session Tuesday.

Before beginning the exercises, Modi urged people to make yoga a part of their lives, saying the practice — which began in ancient India — doesn't differentiate between the rich and poor, and is accessible to all.

Similar yoga events were being held in villages, towns and cities all over India. Last year, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as International Yoga Day.

Many believe that practicing yoga is the best way to calm the mind and the best form of exercise for the body.